Srpski arhiv za celokupno lekarstvo 2013 Volume 141, Issue 9-10, Pages: 586-591
https://doi.org/10.2298/SARH1310586J
Full text ( 578 KB)
Cited by
Mechanical eye injuries in children aged 0-15 years treated at the Clinic of Eye Diseases in Belgrade: Frequency, causes and preventive measures
Jovanović Miloš (Medicinski fakultet, Beograd + Klinički centar Srbije, Klinika za očne bolesti, Beograd)
Medarević Aleksandar (School of Medicine, Belgrade)
Knežević Miroslav (Medicinski fakultet, Beograd + Klinički centar Srbije, Klinika za očne bolesti, Beograd)
Krstić Vera (Medicinski fakultet, Beograd + Klinički centar Srbije, Klinika za očne bolesti, Beograd)
Introduction. Eye injuries represent a significant problem in children.
Objective. The aim of the study was to determine the incidence and causes of
the eye injury and to propose measures of the eye injury prevention in
children up to 15 years of age. Methods. This was a retrospective study of
552 children with the eye injuries treated at the Clinic of Eye Diseases in
Belgrade during the period March 1999 to February 2010. Gender and age of the
children, time of injury, the type and site of injuries, visual acuity upon
admission and at discharge, as well as the time of surgery in relation to
time of injury were analyzed. Results. The ratio between the injured boys and
girls was 3.6:1. The highest percentage of injured children was in the group
6-10 years old (39.7%); the injuries were almost evenly distributed according
to months during the year and days during the week. The percentages of severe
closed and open injuries of the eyeball were almost equal. Visual acuity upon
discharge and subsequent follow-up examinations were significantly improved
after the applied treatment in comparison with the visual acuity upon
admission. Conclusion. Eye injuries in children still represent a severe
health problem. Regarding the youngest age group of children, adults are
mainly responsible for these injuries due to their lack of attention, while
in older children these injuries are the result of the production and
distribution of inappropriate toys and a failure to implement the legal
traffic regulations applicable to children. The prevention of eye injuries is
essential.
Keywords: eye injury, child, cause, frequency, prevention